10 Shows and Movies Like Twin Peaks (1990)

Description: Like Twin Peaks, The X-Files blends crime investigation with supernatural elements, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. Both shows feature small-town settings with hidden, dark secrets and explore themes of the unknown and the uncanny. The partnership between Mulder and Scully mirrors the dynamic between Cooper and the local law enforcement in Twin Peaks.

Fact: The X-Files was inspired by real-life UFO sightings and government conspiracy theories. The show's iconic theme song was composed by Mark Snow in just 15 minutes. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson initially had no chemistry during their first audition together.

Description: The Killing shares Twin Peaks' focus on a single murder investigation that unravels the secrets of a small community. Both shows emphasize mood and atmosphere over fast-paced action, with a slow-burning narrative that delves into the psychological impact of crime. The rainy Seattle setting in The Killing mirrors the damp, oppressive feel of Twin Peaks.

Fact: The show is based on the Danish series Forbrydelsen. The first season's murder mystery was originally intended to be resolved in one season but was extended due to popularity. Joel Kinnaman's performance as Detective Holder earned widespread acclaim.

Description: Hannibal shares Twin Peaks' surreal, visually stunning approach to storytelling, blending horror with psychological depth. Both shows feature a charismatic, enigmatic antagonist (Hannibal Lecter and Killer BOB) and explore the duality of human nature. The dream sequences and artistic violence in Hannibal evoke the same unsettling beauty as Twin Peaks' more abstract moments.

Fact: Bryan Fuller initially wanted to adapt Thomas Harris' novels as a film series. The show was canceled after three seasons despite critical acclaim. Mads Mikkelsen based his portrayal of Hannibal on the movements of reptiles.

Description: True Detective shares Twin Peaks' dark, brooding tone and its focus on a small-town murder mystery with deep psychological and philosophical undertones. Both shows feature complex, flawed protagonists and a non-linear storytelling approach that keeps viewers guessing. The Louisiana setting in Season 1 evokes the same sense of eerie isolation as Twin Peaks' Pacific Northwest.

Fact: Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's performances in Season 1 are considered some of the best in TV history. The show's creator, Nic Pizzolatto, wrote the entire first season in just three months. The infamous 'Carcosa' mythology is based on real occult references.

Description: Wayward Pines, like Twin Peaks, is a mystery thriller set in a seemingly idyllic small town with a dark secret. Both shows feature a federal agent investigating strange occurrences and uncovering a surreal, nightmarish reality. The twist-heavy narrative and unsettling atmosphere of Wayward Pines are strongly influenced by Twin Peaks.

Fact: The show is based on Blake Crouch's novel series. M. Night Shyamalan directed the pilot episode. The series was originally intended to be a limited series but was extended due to popularity.

Description: Sharp Objects, like Twin Peaks, is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a small town, with a troubled protagonist returning to uncover painful truths. Both shows use flashbacks and surreal imagery to explore trauma and memory. The oppressive Southern Gothic atmosphere of Sharp Objects mirrors the eerie vibe of Twin Peaks.

Fact: The show is based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel. Amy Adams learned to play the piano for her role. The series features an all-female directing team.

Description: The Leftovers, like Twin Peaks, explores themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural in a small-town setting. Both shows feature a surreal, dreamlike quality and a narrative that often prioritizes emotional truth over logical explanation. The mysterious disappearance in The Leftovers parallels the central mystery of Twin Peaks, serving as a catalyst for exploring deeper human experiences.

Fact: The show is based on Tom Perrotta's novel of the same name. Justin Theroux performed most of his own stunts. The series finale is often cited as one of the most satisfying in TV history.

Description: Fargo, like Twin Peaks, combines crime drama with dark humor and quirky characters, set against a stark, snowy landscape. Both shows feature eccentric law enforcement officers and explore the idea of evil lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary communities. The anthology format of Fargo allows for the same kind of deep character studies and unexpected twists that made Twin Peaks memorable.

Fact: The show is inspired by the Coen Brothers' 1996 film of the same name but features original stories. Each season is set in a different time period and location within the same universe. Billy Bob Thornton's character in Season 1 was originally written as a much smaller role.

Description: Riverdale shares Twin Peaks' blend of small-town drama, murder mystery, and surreal, soapy storytelling. Both shows feature a central murder that exposes the town's dark secrets and a cast of eccentric characters. The heightened, stylized reality of Riverdale, while more teen-oriented, echoes the off-kilter tone of Twin Peaks.

Fact: The show is based on the Archie Comics characters. Cole Sprouse (Jughead) is also a trained archaeologist. The series has spawned multiple spin-offs, including Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Description: The Outsider shares Twin Peaks' blend of crime procedural and supernatural horror, with a small-town setting and a mystery that defies rational explanation. Both shows feature a malevolent, otherworldly force that corrupts the community. The slow-burning tension and focus on grief and loss in The Outsider are reminiscent of Twin Peaks' more somber moments.

Fact: The show is based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. Jason Bateman directed the first two episodes. The series was originally planned as a film before being adapted for TV.